If you choose a bivy bag, you can give yourself extra warmth and comfort by stuffing a sleeping bag inside. Bivy bags are a great alternative to tents, since they offer the same protection but are much more lightweight.
You’ll need to bring twine or rope and tent pegs to secure the tarp in place. If the ground is wet, place a waterproof sheet or a second tarp on the ground underneath you to keep you dry during the night. A tarp will protect you from the rain (if the rain isn’t too heavy or wind-driven) and from the sun, but it won’t keep out bugs or cold air.
To get a comfortable night’s sleep, you may need to line your hammock with a sleeping pad and sleeping bag. Lying diagonally in the hammock can also keep you from feeling uncomfortably scrunched up during the night. Make sure there’s enough space between the trees or posts so that you can string up your hammock lead lines at a 30° angle. A sharper angle will put strain on the hammock and the trees.
If you have a tarp, you can lay it over the lean-to to add a water-proof layer, or put it on the ground beneath the lean-to to keep you warm, dry, and relatively protected from bugs. If you’re really roughing it, you can also create a “bed” out of leaf litter beneath the lean-to. You may need rope or twine to secure the branches in place.
If you have a tarp, you can lay it over the lean-to to add a water-proof layer, or put it on the ground beneath the lean-to to keep you warm, dry, and relatively protected from bugs. If you’re really roughing it, you can also create a “bed” out of leaf litter beneath the lean-to. You may need rope or twine to secure the branches in place.
If you have a pickup truck, you can lay out a sleeping pad and sleeping bag in the truck bed. If your truck has a luggage rack, you can throw a tarp over it for extra protection from wind and rain.
If there’s a chance of bad weather, consider bringing a tent as a backup plan. Even if the forecast is good, it’s a good idea to bring a tarp in case of unexpected rain.
If you do sleep on a slope, orient yourself so that your head faces uphill.
If you can, clear away any sharp objects on the ground before you set up camp.
You can also protect yourself from bugs (while still getting an open-air experience) with some mosquito netting or a small mosquito tent. For extra protection from mosquitos and ticks, consider pre-treating your gear and clothing with permethrin spray. Follow the application instructions on the label carefully, and let all items dry completely before using them. [11] X Trustworthy Source National Pesticide Information Center Organization run by Oregon State University providing objective, science-based information about pests and pesticides Go to source
Wearing wool or synthetic fabrics, such as polyester or polypropylene. These materials will keep you warm and wick away moisture more effectively than cotton. Protecting your extremities with warm socks, gloves, and a cap. Dressing lightly enough that you will not become overheated and start to sweat in your sleeping bag.
Having a sleeping bag or pad underneath you will not only provide extra padding, but can also help protect you from cold and moisture on the ground.
